VPAT/ACR Accessibility Requirements – Digital accessibility has become a legal and business necessity rather than an optional feature. Organizations are increasingly obligated to show compliance with accessibility standards.
This applies across multiple regions for those developing websites, software applications, mobile apps, and digital documents. In the United States, federal agencies must follow Section 508. Meanwhile, businesses serving the public need to consider the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
In Europe, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) mandates compliance through EN 301 549. Canada has adopted similar procurement requirements through CAN/ASC EN 301 549.
The Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT®) is one of the most widely accepted ways for documenting accessibility conformance. It is published as an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR). This document enables customers, government agencies, and procurement teams to evaluate how well a digital product meets established accessibility requirements.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of VPATs and ACRs. It also discusses the accessibility standards applicable across the United States, Europe, and Canada.
What is a VPAT?
A Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT®) is a standardized reporting template developed by the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI). It enables software vendors to describe how their products conform to accessibility standards.
The completed document is called an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR).
A VPAT itself is not a certification. Instead, it is a detailed technical report that documents accessibility testing results against recognized standards.
Typical VPAT editions include:
- VPAT WCAG Edition
- VPAT Section 508 Edition
- VPAT International Edition (WCAG + Section 508 + EN 301 549)
The International Edition is commonly used by organizations operating globally because it addresses multiple regulatory frameworks in a single document.
Understanding Accessibility Conformance Reports (ACRs)
An Accessibility Conformance Report provides detailed information about:
- Product information
- Scope of evaluation
- Applicable standards
- Accessibility testing method
- Assistive technologies used
- Conformance levels
- Known accessibility limitations
- Planned remediation efforts
Each accessibility requirement is evaluated and assigned one of the following ratings:
- Supports
- Partially Supports
- Does Not Support
- Not Applicable
- Not Evaluated
The report also includes remarks explaining how the product satisfies or fails to satisfy each requirement.
United States Accessibility Requirements
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act
VPAT/ACR Accessibility Requirements – Section 508 applies primarily to U.S. federal agencies and organizations supplying information and communication technology (ICT) to the federal government.
The Revised Section 508 Standards require ICT products to conform largely with WCAG 2.0 Level A and AA requirements.
Organizations responding to federal procurement requests are frequently required to submit a VPAT demonstrating Section 508 compliance.
Key Requirements
- Keyboard accessibility
- Screen reader compatibility
- Accessible forms
- Color contrast compliance
- Captions for multimedia
- Alternative text for images
- Focus indicators
- Accessible PDFs and documents
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The ADA prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, and government services.
Although the ADA does not explicitly mandate WCAG compliance, U.S. courts and the Department of Justice consistently reference WCAG 2.1 Level AA as the benchmark for accessible digital experiences.
Organizations covered by the ADA include:
- Retail businesses
- Healthcare providers
- Educational institutions
- Hospitality companies
- Financial institutions
- Public-facing websites
- Mobile applications
Maintaining WCAG conformance significantly reduces legal risk and improves usability for all users.
European Accessibility Act (EAA)
VPAT/ACR Accessibility Requirements – The European Accessibility Act establishes accessibility requirements for products and services sold within the European Union.
Beginning in 2025, many organizations serving EU customers must ensure digital products meet accessibility obligations.
The EAA references EN 301 549, the European accessibility standard for ICT products and services.
Covered products include:
- Websites
- Mobile applications
- Banking services
- E-commerce platforms
- Ticketing systems
- E-books
- Self-service kiosks
- Telecommunications services
Organizations operating internationally often prepare VPAT International Edition reports covering EN 301 549 requirements.
EN 301 549 Accessibility Standard
EN 301 549 is the European standard for ICT accessibility.
It incorporates WCAG requirements while extending accessibility expectations to:
- Software
- Hardware
- Telecommunications
- Documents
- Biometrics
- Two-way voice communication
- Video communication
- Support services
Major technical areas include:
- Keyboard accessibility
- Screen reader compatibility
- Non-text content
- Timing controls
- Adaptable content
- Accessible authentication
- Error identification
- Audio and video accessibility
Canadian Accessibility Requirements
Canada has introduced multiple accessibility initiatives, including:
- Accessible Canada Act (ACA)
- Provincial accessibility legislation
- Federal procurement standards
Government procurement increasingly references CAN/ASC EN 301 549, which aligns closely with the European EN 301 549 standard.
Organizations supplying software to Canadian government entities should keep documentation demonstrating conformance with these requirements.
Relationship Between WCAG, Section 508, ADA, EN 301 549, and CAN/ASC EN 301 549
| Standard | Geographic Scope | Primary Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| WCAG 2.1/2.2 | Global | Technical accessibility guidelines |
| Section 508 | United States Federal | Government procurement |
| ADA | United States | Civil rights compliance |
| EN 301 549 | European Union | ICT accessibility |
| CAN/ASC EN 301 549 | Canada | Government procurement |
WCAG serves as the technical foundation for many of these regulations.
Typical Contents of an Accessibility Conformance Report
A professional ACR generally includes:
- Executive Summary
- Product Description
- Contact Information
- Applicable Standards
- Evaluation Methods
- Testing Environment
- Assistive Technologies Used
- WCAG Conformance Tables
- Section 508 Conformance Tables
- EN 301 549 Conformance Tables
- Remarks and Explanations
- Accessibility Exceptions
- Planned Improvements
Benefits of Preparing a VPAT
A well-prepared VPAT offers several advantages:
- Supports government procurement
- Demonstrates commitment to accessibility
- Reduces legal and compliance risks
- Improves customer trust
- Facilitates enterprise sales
- Streamlines vendor assessments
- Encourages continuous accessibility improvements
Best Practices for Maintaining Accessibility Compliance
Accessibility is an ongoing process rather than a one-time activity. Organizations should:
- Integrate accessibility into the software development lifecycle.
- Conduct regular accessibility audits.
- Test with users who rely on assistive technologies.
- Train development and QA teams on accessibility standards.
- Update VPATs after major product releases.
- Monitor changes to WCAG and regional regulations.
- Document known issues and remediation plans transparently.
No. A VPAT is a self-disclosed Accessibility Conformance Report and is not an official certification.
The VPAT International Edition is recommended because it covers WCAG, Section 508, and EN 301 549 in a single report.
No. The ADA does not require a VPAT, but organizations commonly use an ACR to demonstrate accessibility efforts and WCAG conformance.
No. Automated tools detect only a subset of accessibility issues. Manual testing and assistive technology testing are essential for an accurate ACR.
A VPAT should be reviewed and updated after significant product changes, major releases, or when accessibility standards evolve.
Yes. A VPAT International Edition can document conformance with WCAG, Section 508, EN 301 549, and, where applicable, CAN/ASC EN 301 549, making it suitable for many procurement processes across the U.S., EU, and Canada.
Contact Enabled.in for VPAT & Accessibility Compliance Services
Whether you’re preparing a VPAT (Accessibility Conformance Report), seeking WCAG 2.2 compliance, or looking to meet Section 508, ADA, European Accessibility Act (EN 301 549), or CAN/ASC EN 301 549 requirements, our accessibility experts are here to help.
Our accessibility experts can guide you to meet these requirements. They are ready to assist you. Our accessibility experts are here to help.
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